Top 5 Best Cigars for Beginners - Start Here

Starting your cigar journey is thrilling. You'll encounter new aromas and flavors wrapped in tradition. But the variety can be both thrilling and daunting. Picking the right first cigars can make your experience far more enjoyable.

For new smokers, it's important to start light. Like coffee fans start with mild blends, new cigar smokers should use lighter cigars. This approach keeps the experience enjoyable, not overwhelming. We've selected the top 5 cigars to help beginners. They ensure a pleasing start to your cigar journey.

The cigars we've chosen are great for any occasion. They gently introduce you to cigar traditions and flavors. Now, let's find the best cigars to start your adventure. Ready to light up and enjoy the rich world of cigars?

Key Takeaways

• The perfect beginner cigar balances mild strength and accessible flavors.

• Choosing a highly recommended, beginner-friendly cigar option can enhance your first smoking experience.

• Starting with milder cigars helps novices develop their palates without overwhelming them.

• Our handpicked list focuses on cigars known for their quality, availability, and approachability.

• The listed cigars are ideal for new enthusiasts, providing a smooth introduction to the world of cigars.

Romeo y Julieta 1875 - Bully (5 x 50)

The "Bully" from Romeo y Julieta 1875 is a top pick for those new to cigars. It has a rich past, tracing back to Cuba. The blend is perfect for beginners thanks to its medium strength. It tastes of toast and nuts with a light spice touch. The Ecuador Connecticut wrapper provides smooth smoke.

This cigar is easy to find, which is excellent for newcomers. The size is just right for a moderate smoking time, and it won't overpower new smokers. So, it's rated very beginner-friendly due to its mild complexity and ease of use.

Flavor Profile

The Romeo y Julieta 1875 "Bully" has a distinct flavor. It mixes a toasty, nutty taste with a light spice, appealing to both new and experienced smokers. This combo stands out in the Cuban-legacy cigar world.

Strength

Its medium strength is ideal for beginners wanting a rich taste without too much power. This balance means newbies can enjoy it without it being too much. It’s also suitable for those moving from lighter cigars.

Ease of Availability

Romeo y Julieta 1875 cigars, including the Bully size, are available at many shops. A 5-pack usually costs $40.00 but can be found for $32.95, saving $7.05¹ . A 25-box has an MSRP of $216.16 but often sells for $162.95, saving $53.21¹ . Their easy availability and price options are a big plus for beginners.

Smoke Duration

The "Bully" is 5 x 50 in size, which is excellent for new cigar fans. It takes about 45 minutes to smoke, which lets you fully enjoy the flavors without being too long.

Beginner-Friendly Score

The Romeo y Julieta 1875 Bully is highly recommended for beginners. Some packs might have issues like tight rolls or loose wrappers. But, most people love its taste and quality² . Its easy-to-like flavor, availability, and right smoking time make it a prime choice for those new to premium cigars.

Pairing Suggestion: Coffee with Cream

Coffee with cream enhances the cigar's natural sweetness and mild spice, creating a smooth and enjoyable experience for beginners. The creamy texture complements the cigar's flavor profile without overpowering it.

Macanudo Cafe - Baron De Rothschild (6.5 x 42)

The Macanudo Cafe is a great place to start if you're new to cigars. It's a mild cigar that offers a smooth smoking experience. You'll enjoy the soft flavors of coffee and cream.

Flavor Profile

The Macanudo Cafe is praised for its smoothness. It offers a mixture of coffee and cream flavors. There are also light touches of nutmeg and a creamy end, making every puff enjoyable.

Strength

This cigar is mild, perfect for those just starting their cigar journey. Its light intensity lets you enjoy the art of smoking without feeling overwhelmed.

Ease of Availability

It's easy to find the Macanudo Cafe almost anywhere in the world. Its fame ensures that you can find it at most stores selling cigars, making trying this excellent cigar straightforward.

Smoke Duration

At 6.5 inches long, the Macanudo Cafe provides a fulfilling smoke time. It's long enough for you to enjoy the taste calmly, enhancing the smoking experience.

Beginner-Friendly Score

The Macanudo Cafe is highly recommended for beginners. Its easy-going flavor, mild nature, and availability make it a top choice. Plus, its price range from $64.25 for (8) to $225.25 (Box of 25) fits many budgets³ .

Pairing Suggestion: Light Beer

A light beer, such as a pilsner, pairs well with the Macanudo Cafe. The beer's crisp and clean flavors highlight the cigar's mild, creamy notes and make for a refreshing combination.

Arturo Fuente 858 Natural - Natural (6 x 47)

The Arturo Fuente 858 Natural is a remarkable work of art in the tobacco world⁴ . Made by hand in the Dominican Republic at the Tabaclera Fuente, this 6" x 47 cigar offers a rewarding smoke⁴ . With tobaccos from Chateau de la Fuente, each inhale celebrates the Fuente family's rich history and dedication⁴ .

Flavor Profile

Its unique flavor mix of cedar, coffee, and a touch of chocolate satisfies both new and experienced smokers. The natural elegance of its caramel-brown wrapper adds to the experience.

Strength

This medium-bodied cigar is not too strong, perfect for beginners wanting more complexity. It offers a classic, enjoyable smoke for all cigar lovers.

Ease of Availability

Globally recognized, the 858 Natural is relatively easy to find⁴ . Praised by many, including Irving G. and Fred S. (4 out of 5) and Shawn K. and Tracy P. (5 out of 5), it's popular among Dominican cigars.

Smoke Duration

This cigar's size provides a long, enjoyable smoke time. It pairs well with a medium-bodied red wine or bourbon, enhancing its robust flavors⁴ .

Beginner-Friendly Score

The Arturo Fuente 858 Natural scores high for beginners⁴ . Its medium strength, rich flavor, and easy access make it perfect for newcomers. It's a great choice that grows with the smoker's taste, becoming a staple in any collection.

Pairing Suggestion: Amaretto on the Rocks

Amaretto's sweet almond flavor enhances the Arturo Fuente's mild tobacco and cedar notes. The smooth and slightly nutty liqueur complements the cigar's flavor without overwhelming it, making it a perfect match for beginners.

Oliva Connecticut Reserve - Robusto (5 x 50)

The Oliva Connecticut Reserve Robusto is a top choice for exploring cigars. It offers a mild to medium body that many beginners love.

Flavor Profile

In each puff, you'll enjoy a buttery toast flavor with nut hints and a creamy taste. Creamy, mild, nutty, buttery, and toasty describe its delicious flavor profile⁵ .

Strength

This cigar is perfect for beginners thanks to its mild to medium strength. It provides an excellent smoking experience without being too strong.

Ease of Availability

Oliva is known for its high quality and consistency. Because of this, the Connecticut Reserve is easily found in many stores and cigar shops.

Smoke Duration

Its 5-inch Robusto size gives you just the right amount of smoking time. It's long enough to enjoy but won’t feel too long.

Beginner-Friendly Score

The Oliva Connecticut Reserve Robusto is highly rated for beginners. Using premium Nicaraguan tobaccos, it got an average score of 4.4 out of 5 from reviews⁵ . Sixty percent of users stated its smooth and creamy nature⁶ . Plus, seventy percent commended it’s even burning and solid construction⁶ .

Pairing Suggestion: Iced Tea with Lemon

Iced tea with a splash of lemon provides a refreshing and light pairing for the Oliva Connecticut Reserve. The tea's subtle sweetness and citrusy tang balance the cigar's mild, buttery flavors, creating a pleasant smoking experience.

Ashton Classic - Corona (5.5 x 44)

The Ashton Classic Corona stands out in the world of cigars for its top-notch craftsmanship and quality. It measures 5.5 inches long with a ring gauge of 44, fitting right into the standard size for Coronas. These dimensions make it slightly more slender and more prolonged than Robustos, which adds to its elite look⁷ .

Flavor Profile

It's famous for its creamy taste, blending Dominican spices with cedar, almond, and crème brulée⁸ . Smokers will find hints of sweet cedar, hay, earth, sweet espresso, spice, and vanilla⁸ . This mix sets it apart as a mild yet richly flavored choice for those new to cigars.

Strength

The Ashton Classic is known for being mild, perfect for beginners⁸ . The tobacco inside has been matured for 3 to 4 years. It gets another six months to age in cedar chambers, making the flavor smooth and well-balanced⁸ .

Ease of Availability

Available in over 60 countries, the Ashton Classic is easy to find⁸ . It ranks among the top 3 cigars in the U.S., ensuring beginners can easily buy it⁸ . Also, with 16 different sizes, enthusiasts have plenty of choices⁸ .

Smoke Duration

The Ashton Classic Corona offers a smoking time of around thirty to forty-five minutes⁷ . This length suits those new to the hobby, allowing them to enjoy its complex flavors without feeling rushed.

Beginner-Friendly Score

This cigar is a top pick for new smokers because of its creamy taste and mild strength. It's widely available and maintains high quality and a smooth feel. Its renowned taste makes it stand out for anyone new to premium cigars.

Pairing Suggestion: Chardonnay

A glass of Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the Ashton Classic. The wine's light, fruity notes and slight acidity enhance the cigar's creamy, nutty flavors, making it an elegant and enjoyable combination for beginners.